Impetigo 

Normal skin is usually colonized by bacterial flora that live as commensals on the surface or hair follicles. But, sometimes, bacterial overgrowth can cause skin diseases. A skin sore (a skin lesion or ulcer) is often a physical symptom of an underlying skin condition. Such physical symptoms can negatively impact your life due to pain or unaesthetic appearance. Impetigo is one such bacterial skin infection that is highly contagious. Commonly affecting children, impetigo with sores and blisters around the mouth and nose is a common sign. Though impetigo may resolve on its own, dermatologists (doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) suggest treating the condition with antibiotics to prevent complications. 

If you are wondering what exactly happens when an impetigo infects a child, read on as we help you understand the condition better. 

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads easily. It commonly affects children, especially those 2 to 5 years old, though it can appear at any age. It causes itchy, painful skin sores that may heal and form crusts around the mouth and nose. It can also appear on your child's scalp, hairline, legs, and arms. 

Bacterial invasion and overgrowth lead to impetigo, which happens when your child gets a cut, bite, or scratch. This skin condition occurs more often during summer. Impetigo can be confused with cold sores, but the blisters in cold sores are smaller and appear only around the mouth. 

What Are the Types of Impetigo?

Impetigo sores and blisters can present differently based on the type and your skin tone. There are three main types of impetigo, namely:

Non-bullous Impetigo

• This is the most common type of impetigo, characterized by tiny, itchy blisters around the mouth and nose that are usually painless.
• These blisters may eventually break open and ooze pus and fluid, leaving behind yellow-golden scabs on your skin.
• The dry crusts heal over time without any scarring.

Bullous Impetigo

• Large blisters around your neck and waist characterize this type.
• These blisters are extremely painful and itchy and burst open, leaving a crust.
• High temperature and swollen glands are more common in this type of impetigo.

Ecthyma Impetigo 

• This is a more serious form of untreated impetigo that affects deeper layers of your skin, causing itchy, painful blisters filled with fluid pus and resulting in ulcers. 
• Since the sores affect deeper skin layers, you may be left with scars. 

Is Impetigo Contagious?

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. The condition can be contagious for several weeks without proper treatment until the rashes disappear or the scabs fall off. Other modes of spread from an infected person include:

• Mucus or nasal discharge 
• Sharing things such as towels, clothing, and other personal items

What Causes Impetigo?

Bacteria cause impetigo, usually the staphylococcus or streptococcus organisms. Several other factors can increase your likelihood of impetigo. These include:

• Age between 2 to 5 years
• Close contact with an infected person
• Warm and humid weather
• Broken skin
• Certain health conditions like eczema and diabetes
• Weakened immune system

What Does Impetigo Look Like? Discuss The Symptoms 

The symptoms may vary based on the type of impetigo and appear within three days of bacterial invasion. These include:

Impetigo Blisters

• They appear as tiny bumps filled with pus that can easily burst.
• They can break open to ooze yellow or tan fluid and eventually form a golden crust.

Impetigo Rash

• These skin discolorations can easily spread and may appear pink or red.

Other Symptoms

• Painful rashes can result in fever, tiredness, and irritability.

How is Impetigo Diagnosed?

Dermatologists can quickly diagnose impetigo through its appearance. However, your doctor may recommend a skin culture to study the type of bacteria causing the infection. This helps them determine and prescribe the right antibiotics to treat the condition.

How Can Impetigo Be Treated?

Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotics that help eliminate bacterial infections. These include:

Topical Antibiotics

• These are available in the form of creams and ointments that are directly applied to the affected areas.
• These are usually applied four times per day for 5 to 7 days.

Oral Antibiotics 

• These antibiotics are available as pills or syrups for severe forms of impetigo.
• Doctors recommend taking oral antibiotics for a period of 7 to 10 days.

Can Home Remedies Help?

Home remedies can help manage your symptoms and aid in quick healing. However, consult your doctor before using them. Also, remember they should always be used in addition to antibiotic treatment, not as a replacement. Some effective home remedies include:

• Aloe vera 
• Chamomile
• Garlic
• Ginger 
• Grapefruit seed
• Eucalyptus
• Neem
• Honey
• Turmeric 
• Essential oils like tea tree oil 

Can Impetigo Be Prevented?

Though impetigo cannot be completely prevented, you or your child can follow the below tips to prevent their spread. 

• Wash hands regularly using an alcohol-based sanitizer or plain soap and water.
• Clip the fingernails regularly to avoid scratching. 
• Bathe daily, especially if you or your child have sensitive skin, to cut down on bacteria
• Wash everything that comes in contact with impetigo sores, such as towels, utensils, etc.
• Wear gloves when applying ointment on the impetigo sores 
• Keep the infected child home to prevent the spread  

Conclusion

Impetigo is a common bacterial infection of the skin that commonly affects children. Though the condition is not dangerous, it is highly contagious and spreads easily when in contact with an infected person. Seek medical care when you notice any rash or sore near your mouth or nose. Doctors can help clear impetigo through antibiotics. Good hygiene and caring for your impetigo blisters can help prevent the spread of infection to others and help you heal faster. 

If you suspect your loved one has impetigo, consult a dermatologist immediately for further evaluation.